More than half of universities in England have fewer than 5% of white working-class students in their intakes, according to researchers.

A report from the National Education Opportunity Network (Neon) found that white youngsters in receipt of free school meals were the least likely of any group to study at university after those from Traveller backgrounds.

White students make up the majority of people living in areas where university attendance is lowest and those who do attend are more likely to enrol at less prestigious post-1992 universities.